I just found myself constantly wanting MORE… more grit from the FMC, more tension from the love interest dynamic & more action in the plot. Cue uncontrollable screaming because that is what I am currently doing after finishing this absolute MASTERPIECE!!* I think this book might just become one of my soft and fuzzy comfort books. Rhyan’s tenderness is catchy. The story follows the heartbreaking trials of the Lady Lyriana Batavia, third in line to rule the nation of Bamaria, part of the Lumerian Empire. The book opens with 17-year-old Lyr, as she known in the books, going to a ceremony where her sister, cousin, and other 19-year-olds will have their birth magic unbound and they will choose to become mage or magic-enhanced warrior. She is about to be engaged formally to Tristan, of Ka (House) Grey, a mage who also is trained to hunt down those who use one of the three forms of illicit magic. The world is her oyster. Until it isn’t.

Lyr’s own cousin was executed for wielding the wrong kind. And for years, Lyr has sworn to protect her older sisters, helping them conceal their own illicit magic. It did take me a minute to try to pronounce some of the titles and to get used to the methods of travel, but I was in heaven from the first chapter! I want to start this with I had the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for an honest review and I am so thankful because this book is life changing.Rhyan: stop I love him so much. Caring and protective, he hides his kind side under a cold exterior. but honestly I love him so much ahhhhhhh The second thing that sort of bothered me and kept me from giving this 5 stars, was the fact that the main character is a little too much YA coded and sometimes, unfortunately, feels too much of a Mary Sue for her own good, not too mention she was the epitome of TSTL. I wanted to strangle her a couple times during some scenes, but then she finally redeemed herself and I understood that her being unsufferable was probably part of her character's arc. The world building was so unique. *chef's kiss* In my mind, I think the world was like if Atlantis crossed over with ancient Egypt, with seraphim, gryphons, and an assortment of other magical characters.

Doesn't end on an exciting cliffhanger, but more of a "to be continued." it's like pausing the Mulan movie right before her personal-growth/training montage The world building was amazing! It managed to create and explain this whole world without me feeling lost once! (Although, I probably should have read the glossary at the end first—😩)

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Goodreads Librarians are volunteers who help ensure the accuracy of information about books and authors in the Goodreads' catalog. The Goodreads Libra Goodreads Librarians are volunteers who help ensure the accuracy of information about books and authors in the Goodreads' catalog. The Goodreads Librarians Group is the official group for requesting additions or updates to the catalog, including: I was not ready for this to make such an impact and my God am I glad that this book came onto my radar and I had the opportunity to read it because I am hooked…and I cannot wait to get into book 2.